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Digging deep into ASTA systems-based solutions

Systems solutions for the pineapple value chain in Suriname

In Suriname, ASTA is supporting indigenous communities to transform the pineapple value chain, which has traditionally been characterized by low productivity, limited value addition, and no exports. Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to unlock and de-risk SDG-aligned investment to increase productivity and smallholder incomes.

The ASTA systems solution combines three interconnected components: a Horticulture Innovation Hub that provides coordinated services and stakeholder governance; a Collateral Support Facility that de-risks lending and improves access to finance for smallholders; and a National Pineapple Cooperative that strengthens collective input procurement and market access.

Together, these mechanisms connect farmers, institutions, and finance into a single investment ecosystem. The model is helping shift the sector from fragmented subsistence production toward a structured, investment-ready value chain, while strengthening financial inclusion for indigenous producers.


Systems solution for transforming the coconut value chain in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the coconut value chain is constrained by weak coordination among actors, low and unstable production, inefficient processing, and limited access to high-value markets. These challenges are reinforced by weak innovation adoption, governance gaps, and limited profitability for small-scale processors, reducing both competitiveness and resilience.

To address these structural bottlenecks, ASTA proposes a set of integrated systems solutions: strengthening coordination through a shared governance and digital platform; improving productivity by embedding better production systems with national partners; increasing value addition through collective, community-based processing models; reducing market inefficiencies via direct digital linkages between producers and buyers; and strengthening the enabling environment through targeted policy engagement and infrastructure support. Together, these interventions shift the value chain from a fragmented system into a more coordinated, efficient, and investment-ready sector.

Together, these solutions shift the coconut value chain from a fragmented system into a more coordinated, innovative, and investment-ready sector capable of generating higher value, jobs, and sustainability.

Systems solution for transforming the soybean value chain in Zambia

In Zambia, the soybean value chain faces interconnected challenges including low seed quality, limited access to inputs and mechanization, weak value chain linkages, and insufficient infrastructure for storage and processing. These constraints, combined with limited access to finance, markets, and business development services, result in low productivity and reduced value addition, particularly for small-scale farmers and MSMEs.

To address these systemic barriers, ASTA has supported the Government of Zambia in designing a National Soybean Strategy based on a systems approach to value chain transformation. Aligned with CATSP and Agricultural Aggregation Alliances (3As), it aims to transform Zambia’s soybean sector into a more inclusive and competitive value chain over the next decade.

The strategy is built around three core system solutions: a national Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Platform that aligns public and private actors and supports territorial geo-clusters; and aggregation-based business models that connects smallholders to markets, finance, inputs, and services through aggregators such as producer organizations, processors, and commercial farms. The strategy integrates blended finance mechanisms to reduce investment risk and mobilize capital.

Systems solutions for transforming dairy and beef value chains in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the dairy and beef value chains are constrained by fragmented coordination among actors, weak transmission of quality and price incentives, inconsistent food safety standards, and inefficient and largely informal aggregation and distribution systems. These structural failures reduce productivity among small-scale producers, limit value capture along the chain, and weaken the system’s ability to reliably supply safe and competitive products to growing demand.

To address these systemic constraints, ASTA proposes three integrated systems solutions that reconfigure how the value chains function. First, strengthening coordination and governance systems by organizing producers and industry actors into structured associations that enable collective action, improve information flows, and align incentives across the chain. Second, upgrading market and aggregation systems by establishing structured public–private milk collection hubs linked to village-level centres, improving how products, services, and market signals flow between producers, processors, and buyers. Third, embedding quality, capability, and food safety systems by institutionalizing training for processors, improving production and business models for small-scale actors, and formalizing slaughter and certification systems to ensure traceability and compliance with food safety standards.

Systems solution for Tanzania Palm Oil

In the United Republic of Tanzania, the palm oil value chain is constrained by fragmented smallholder production systems, limited access to improved technologies and support services, inefficient processing and aggregation models, and weak access to finance and business development services. These interconnected constraints reduce productivity, limit market competitiveness, and restrict the sector’s ability to create inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities.

To address these systemic bottlenecks, ASTA proposes four integrated systems solutions that transform how the value chain operates.

First, restructuring production systems through scalable and eco-certifiable agroforestry business models that combine oil palm with intercrops to diversify income, improve resilience, and enable sustainable expansion. Second, strengthening innovation and support systems through the establishment of the Kigoma Agricultural Training and Innovation Centre (KATIC), designed as a sector-wide hub connecting producers, knowledge, research, training, and technical services. Third, reorganizing aggregation and market systems by strengthening smallholder organization through cooperative and contract-based models that improve access to inputs, services, finance, processing, and markets. Fourth, reinforcing governance and enabling systems through a multi-stakeholder platform that promotes public–private dialogue, builds trust among actors, and improves sector coordination.